N.H. Senate Nixes Marijuana Decriminalization

The New Hampshire Senate has rejected a bill to decriminalize possession of up to a half-ounce of marijuana. But opponents say it would be wrong to reduce marijuana penalties in the midst of an opioid crisis.

While the New Hampshire house has repeatedly voted to decriminalize marijuana, the policy has never found favor in the senate. This time was no different. MIlford Republican Gary Daniels compares the state's fight against heroin and Fentayl to a war. He says now would be the wrong time to convey a tolerant attitude towards marijuana.

"We didn't want to send a mixed message. We want to try to address the addiction problem but to lighten things on the other side, and not make it seem like a big deal is sending a mixed message."

Daniels joined nine Republicans and four Democrats in voting to kill the decriminalization bill.

The vote means NH will remain the lone New England state where possession of even small amounts of marijuana remains a crime.

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We sit down with Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who is in New Hampshire talking about his efforts to ease federal marijuana laws. It’s a huge debate going on around the country, as more states move toward medical marijuana, decriminalization, and, in a few cases, legalization.

A bill that aims make it easier for judges to treat the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana as a violation is winning favor at the state house and has the support of the New Hampshire Association of Police Chiefs, which has always opposed loosening state drug laws.

Marijuana decriminalization has passed the New Hampshire House several times. But no decriminalization bill has won favor in the senate. One reason why is the staunch opposition by New Hampshire law enforcement.

With growing concerns nationally and in New Hampshire about a large and expensive prison population, the House recently passed a bill to repeal mandatory minimum sentences for some offenses. And then later we'll look at another House measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.